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Her Strength (Estela x F!MC)

Book/Series: Endless Summer

Main Pairings: Estela x MC/Taylor (f)

Summary: Book 1. The group is fracturing, and Taylor is fearful. How can they hope to survive the bizarre twists and turns La Huerta seems intent on throwing their way if the don't stick together? Estela is gone, taking on some dangerous mission, but is the dark-eyed loner the last piece needed for them to survive... and the key to Taylor's own inner strength?

Word Count: 3238

Reviews and reblogs are hugely appreciated!

AO3 Link

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Taylor rolled over in bed and groaned. Beside her, Furball was purring in his sleep, totally content. If only she could settle her own thoughts and fears with such ease. Everything was disintegrating. The group itself…. Estela hadn’t returned, not at nightfall, nor late at night when Taylor retreated, exhausted, to bed. She hadn’t really expected Estela to be back at the resort, her dangerous business all done and dusted in only one day, but Taylor had kept an eye out, just in case. It wasn’t just Estela on Taylor’s mind now, either. She could only hope that the ridiculous feud within the group had blown itself out overnight. Between Jake and Sean, at least, her expectations weren’t high, in fact, she could feel her stress headache returning just thinking about them.

Diego, though, greeted her, all smiles. “People fight all the time,” he said confidently. “How could anyone stay mad in a paradise like this?”

Breakfast proved Taylor’s worries well-founded. The poisonous atmosphere was only festering, and it had turned to Furball’s icy intervention to keep Jake and Sean from devolving into an all-out fist-fight. Diego, at least, remained easy company, in spite of having gone his separate way from Taylor, taking a load off while she kept up the search for answers. They ate side-by-side, trying not to get taken in by the chill that seemed to have settled over the restaurant-- which had nothing to do with Furball, who’d settled down to lap up milk from a dish at Taylor’s feet.

“Whatever you’ve gotta do to keep your head above water,” said Taylor, assuring that she wasn’t about to get all bent out of shape over any differences. She offered Quinn a smile as she sat down at their table, likely deemed the friendliest option.

Quinn briefly returned the smile, relief showing on her face. “I can’t stand the tension,” she said with a grimace. “I’d like to think we can move past our differences… have some empathy. We’re all out of our depth here, however it is we need to cope with it.”

“I just hope it’ll all blow over soon,” Taylor said. She gazed out the window, and quietly wished the twelfth student was still with the group, a steady, capable presence. Whatever Estela might have been facing out in the wilds of La Huerta, it surely put the squabbling, the egos, all into perspective. “I keep thinking about Estela,” she said wistfully. “She’s alone out there.”

She wouldn’t be getting drawn into this stupid drama.

Diego met Taylor’s eye, encouraging. He was pretty switched on to the fact that Taylor was harbouring some feelings for the most mysterious member of their group. “She seems pretty tough-- I mean, you’d have to be to run off into a sabre-toothed-tiger-infested jungle. I don’t think anyone could’ve stopped her.”

As much as Taylor might have wanted to, she’d respected Estela’s boundaries enough not to try.

“I hate that she’s cut off. If we at least had some way of keeping contact just in case…. It sucks.”

“It does,” Diego admitted. “But I reckon she’ll be fine. Just a gut feeling.”

If Taylor was a praying kind of person, she’d be begging for Diego’s gut to be right on this one. The thought of any of their dysfunctional group dying out here was horrifying, and Estela… well, Taylor had found herself caring deeply for Estela, finding herself emotionally involved-- good sense be damned.

There was just something about Estela that drew Taylor in. Perhaps at first it had been the mystery of her. Neither Taylor nor Diego recognised Estela-- though it seemed others in the group knew her from sight from the last quarter at Hartfeld. Even if Estela was just another student who’d won an exclusive tropical island vacation, she didn’t act like it. Estela set herself apart in every respect. She was on a mission, focused and serious, apparently unfazed by both the deserted nature of the resort and the presence of prowling beasts… as though whatever she was truly here for was so immense that a fantastical crisis was simply an irritating sideshow to what really mattered.

It should have set off alarm bells. Every other person regarded Estela with caution at best, seething mistrust at worst. But when Taylor’s curiosity won over and she met Estela’s gaze across the poolside, the fierce intensity was offset by something warm and soft… and returning that curiosity.

“Everyone’s so caught up in this idiotic feud… it’s like it doesn’t even register that one of us is facing God-knows-what, probably fighting for her life,” Taylor said bitterly.

Quinn placed a hand upon Taylor’s. “I don’t think that’s true, Taylor. Lila was having a real panic about it earlier. And everyone else…. I know they care. I would bet it’s actually added to the tension we’re all feeling.”

“I reckon,” Diego said, “it’s just another thing most of us are feeling helpless about. There’s not much we can do.”

Taylor sighed. “If there was, I’d be doing it. She knew I’d go with her, help with whatever it is she feels she needs to do, but I can respect a boundary. Estela saved my life. I would be dead now if not for her-- without a shadow of a doubt.”

There’d barely even been a chance to digest what had happened before they were all fleeing back to the resort. Estela herself had been shocked by it, but planned or not, she’d put her life on the line to save Taylor’s. How could she ever repay something like that? Maybe repayment wasn’t necessary… maybe she just had to appreciate the immensity of what she’d been given, and hold onto it.

“I’m grateful she was there to keep you safe!” said Quinn. “We’re lucky to have had a real hero among us. All we can do now is trust in that inner strength of hers. Estela will come through.”

Taylor wasn’t sure Quinn had spent much time in Estela’s company; Estela had always existed on the fringes of the group, while Quinn had been forever in the thick of things, embracing each new experience and seeking close connections. But it seemed she saw her, at least enough to care.

“Thanks Quinn,” said Taylor softly.

The three of them tucked into their breakfast, with few words exchanged. And Taylor couldn’t stop gazing out into the wilds, beautiful and deadly. Somewhere… somewhere out there, was Estela thinking of her too? She tried to shake off the notion, silly as it was, but it stuck like glue.

The pull was so strong. Taylor couldn’t think of it as just a crush; it was more than that. Surely, she wouldn’t have the drive to throw herself into danger in pursuit of ‘just a crush’. Estela was certainly attractive. God, she was hot. She was tall, her figure exquisitely toned. So often, her stoicism left no room for anything to be given away, but Taylor had caught the loveliest of smiles as just for a moment at a time, something sweet was allowed to shine out from behind the hardened exterior. Whatever had built the layers of armour must surely have been painful; in those long, shared gazes, Taylor had felt unexpected warmth, trepidatious as it clearly was. Estela could not simply throw open doors and let in a stranger… but she somehow trusted Taylor with a glimpse. A shaky invitation to know and be known. Taylor couldn’t see that connection as anything less than beautiful, and she longed for it.

Taylor had quickly come to mean something to Estela, she knew it. She didn’t want to go so far as assume the interest was romantic, but whatever it was between them, it felt good. Hell, it probably was the only reason Taylor was alive to have seen the sun come up that morning. How on earth was she supposed to not fall hard and fast?

So far into the clouds was Taylor’s head when she got up from breakfast that she almost walked head-long into Raj on the way out to the poolside.

“Whoops! Sorry-- I’m a little distracted right now.”

Raj was not remotely perturbed, not missing a beat. “Hey, you’re all good! You’re just the person I was hoping to run into-- Taylor, can we talk?”

“Oh-- all right. Shoot.”

“I’m not gonna mince words,” Raj said with uncharacteristic solemnity. “I’m worried about our group. If we keep up this whole feud, we’re never gonna get off this island.” Then his eyes were alight with excitement, excitement that quickly filled his entire being, immediately drawing Taylor in. “We need a way to come together. I think I might know how to do it… but I’m gonna need your help.”

Taylor drew herself up, energised by the simple prospect of a purpose, of having a direction to bring them all back on track.

“I’m listening….”

_____________________________

Twice more, now, Estela had saved Taylor’s hide. The total was now up to three. But back there with the crab, Taylor had been strong-- both mentally and physically, even surprising herself. As a team, they’d been effective. More than that, it just felt right.

The end result of their adventure was the sprawling body of an immense crustacean at their feet.

“Well,” Estela said, “this crab won’t be causing your little wilderness safari any more problems. Let’s get you back to them.”

Taylor felt her heart sink. She understood by now that Estela needed space to undertake this secret mission of hers, but she could respect that fact without being happy about it.

“Actually, before I forget, did you have any food? We lost ours on the way.”

Estela thought for the moment, then a small smile came to her face. “I might have an idea….”

Together, they began pulling apart the meatiest pieces from the crabs colossal frame.

“God, it weighs a ton,” Taylor muttered. “We’re never gonna be able to carry this….”

“We’ll just take the legs,” Estela said, undeterred. “If I find some good-sized leaves to wrap them in, we can drag them with us. The others won’t have gone too far without you.”

For a few minutes, Taylor fumbled around with words in her head, trying to ascertain how to check in with her companion without being perceived as pushy.

Trust yourself. You know how to talk to Estela.

“Have you… have you been keeping all right out here? You seem pretty resourceful; must come in handy.”

Estela raised her eyes slightly, but continued wrestling an enormous crab leg from its socket. “I’m getting by,” she said simply.

“I guess you’d had a bag packed strategically with essentials… rations and everything.” With a pang, Taylor was brought back to Raj’s mammoth feast, the group coming together, and all that food. Knowing that Estela was only out in the wilderness-- alone and hungry-- by her own volition should have been a comfort, but Taylor still felt guilt and a deep sadness. “And you’re keeping warm overnight?”

“It’s fine. Like I said before, freedom isn’t something I can count on, not once I’m done here. I can appreciate being out in the world. It’s not always exactly comfortable, but there are worse things. The elements aren’t gonna be what makes this all come apart for me.”

“No, that’s me, isn’t it? Getting in the way. A distraction.”

Estela considered for a moment. “Maybe. I don’t know. We didn’t do so bad back there. Actually, you were great, thinking on your feet the way you did. I couldn’t have pulled that off alone.”

She looked Taylor in the face, pondering her. It was an odd feeling, Taylor noted, to be intently studied, but in this case, at least, she wouldn’t say uncomfortable.

It’s okay. I’m an open book. No hiding.

“That offer of help is still on the table,” Taylor said. “Stupid or not. It’s there if you want it.”

Estela shook her head, but smiled. “There’s no question of it being stupid. But thank you.” She fell quiet again, looking at her own hands as she wrapped the crab leg in a banana leaf. Seeming to appreciate that Taylor didn’t push, she spoke again after a little while. “It doesn’t feel like I’m getting anywhere,” she admitted, pained. “Could be my best play is to stick with the group for now… maybe I wouldn’t have to waste energy worrying about you so much.”

“You worry about us?” Taylor teased, unable to help herself.

With a huff of a laugh, Estela got to her feet and brushed herself off. “After the situation I found you dumbasses in, it’s not justified?”

Estela offered a hand to Taylor, pulling her up, and Taylor felt her heartbeat quicken. Estela’s grasp was firm, skin weathered, and it felt like strength and safety. It was that strength that she found in herself when they were together. She never need doubt what she was capable of… not when she was with Estela. She didn’t want to stop being that person.

“So…. You’re joining the dumbass squad for dinner?”

Estela met Taylor’s eyes. There was uncertainty there, and she hesitated. “I will. I can’t have you stumbling into any more trouble, can I? And I want to see this observatory.”

Taylor felt her face light up with a smile. She dared not have hoped for as much. “Better make a move, then.”

She jogged on ahead at the sound of voices through the trees. The others had… followed them into the jungle?

“Hey, Taylor’s back!” Sean cried, beaming as he rushed over.

Grace looked utterly relieved. “You’re okay!”

Then, Taylor was surrounded by hugs and claps on the back.

“Ha!” Craig laughed. “I totally would’ve bet you were dead! Mad respect.”

“What are you guys doing here?”

“Coming after you,” Jake said. “Couldn’t leave you to bail us out of danger. You’d never let us hear the end of it.”

Zahra’s eyes were bright with curiosity. “So? Did you kick some crusty crustacean ass or not?”

To which a dour-faced Michelle added, rather more gravely, “And I don’t suppose you… found any food?”

“As a matter of fact….” Taylor grinned broadly, and looked over her shoulder to Estela, dragging the enormous crab legs behind her. To her delight, her own broad smile was mirrored in Estela’s face-- the first most of the others would have seen.

They’re gonna get it. They’re gonna see her like I do. And they’re gonna bring her into the fold.

“Anyone wanna help me build a campfire?” Estela asked brightly, her pleasure in-- just for now-- being part of the team, clear upon her face.

Emerging from the forest to the rocky outcrops, bathed in starlight, that the cycle of day and night had been experienced differently by Taylor and Estela-- who’d hardly ventured a mile from the main group-- was a little unnerving, but filling bellies took precedence.

As they all tucked in, Estela remained on the edge of the gathering, but was distinctly part of it in a real way, for the first time since the plane touched down. For Taylor, it was a relief. Every instinct in her screamed that their way forward was as a unit; if her fellow students were going to come through this fantastical, mind-boggling adventure, they could only do it side-by-side.

Craig stretched out, and let go of a belch that could probably be heard back at the resort. “Ha... best crab I’ve had in my life, dude.”

“Seriously,” Michelle said, in a better mood for her hunger being sated. “Estela, you’re the best.”

“I still can’t believe you managed to beat that thing,” Grace commented, awed.

Estela nodded toward Taylor, sat cross-legged beside her. “Actually, it was mostly Taylor. I just helped a little.”

Zahra sat up straighter in surprise. “No way. For real?”

“Well, well, well,” Jake said with a grin. “Not too shabby, Princess.”

Sean looked similarly impressed. “And you kept saying I had to be the hero.”

Taylor felt her cheeks flush. “Didn’t know I had it in me,” she said, to which Sean replied simply.

“...I did.”

With the dangerous path ahead cloaked in the dark of night, the eight of them settled down to rest up before tackling it by daylight.

A biting chill swept upwards through the mountains, a wind off the sea, and Taylor found herself shivering. She hadn’t expected it to be so cold. Tentatively, she approached Estela.

“Mind if I join you? It’s a little cold.”

Estela turned and looked up, and for a long moment, seemed to mull it over before scooting sideways, making room beside her. Without saying a word, she rolled back onto her side, shifting to get comfortable.

Trying to ignore the pounding of her own heart as she did so, Taylor settled down on the smooth rocky ground, lying next to Estela… close enough to feel a little of her body heat, but not going so far as to encroach and touch her.

Again, Estela turned her head. She almost looked bemused. “Are you trying to get warm or not?”

“I…”

“Come on, already.”

Nervously, Taylor edged closer. Why was her heart in her throat like this? They were just friends. Keeping warm together. It didn’t need to mean anything. She pressed her chest to Estela’s back, and exhaled shakily, and as she did so, felt Estela burrow into her seeking closeness and finding it.

Taylor could feel the rise of Estela’s chest with every breath, could smell her hair. Could Estela feel Taylor’s heart racing?”

“Good,” Estela said. “This should preserve some body heat.”

“Heh… yeah.” God, why are you being so awkward? Then a rush of fear shook Taylor from her own self-consciousness. “Should we really be sleeping? What if something comes and….”

“It won’t happen, Taylor. Not on my watch.”

So calm and quiet, yet certain. And so easily, Taylor could believe in every word. Could she hope to offer the same comfort in return?

Taylor brought her legs up so her torso more tightly spooned Estela’s, tucked her hands in Estela’s hood and her hair… and could have sworn those breaths grew deeper, more settled. As though she was wanted there.

An unbidden image flashed through Taylor’s mind. Estela turning into an embrace, holding her. Kissing her… her neck… her lips. Instantly Taylor’s body was flooded with heat, at odds with the cool night air.

Shut it down.

That wasn’t what they were doing here. Sure, there had been an inkling that Estela might be seeing her that way…. It wasn’t happening. What mattered was that Estela could rely on Taylor as a friend. She deserved that much. A friend to rely on.

Estela sighed softly, nestling back deeper into Taylor’s chest and belly. It was warmth, and security… trust.

What Taylor wouldn’t give to kiss her…. Again, she let the thought go. Who knew where the two of them would end up, but here, cuddled up under a blanket of stars, the most important thing was that Estela didn’t have to be alone anymore. Their ragtag group was coming back together, and this time, that meant all of them.

Taylor nuzzled in, letting herself feel surrounded, comforted by the woman pressed against her as she filled her senses. She closed her eyes. How easy it was to relax when she needn’t be afraid of anything at all.

I’m here for you, Estela. You and me, we’ve got this.

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